At 81, Richie Benaud outrates popular Australian celebrities

Former Australian cricketer and commentator Richie Benaud is still among the most loved personalities.

Sydney: Former Australian cricketer and cricket commentator Richie Benaud is still among the most loved personalities in world entertainment, it has been revealed.

According to a recent online survey conducted by an Australian channel, the 81-year-old legend was ranked fourth overall behind only Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Gibney and Cate Blanchett. Around 2800 Australians took part in the survey, in which they were questioned on topics like awareness, likeability, skill - and how they rate individuals as role models. Other celebrities in the survey included Nicole Kidman, Miranda Kerr, Simon Baker, Kylie Minogue, Peter Harvey, Glenn McGrath, Naomi Watts, Angelina Jolie, Brett Lee and others. Former Australian batsman and co-commentator Michael Slater said that he wasn’t surprised by the survey’s result. “Everything he stands for in the game of cricket is what makes him great. (Richie) is respected by everyone and he has been the voice of cricket forever,” a leading daily quoted Slater, as saying. The channel’s executive producer of cricket added: “Richie is not only an icon of Australian sport and broadcasting but world sport and broadcasting. And with cricket Australia’s one true national sport, it’s no coincidence the king of cricket is right at the top.” ANI